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		</div><p>Lionel Messi marked his 1,000th senior appearance with the opening goal as Argentina booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals by beating Australia 2-1.</p>
<p>Messi produced the first moment of quality to break the deadlock towards the end of the first half and Julian Alvarez pounced on a goalkeeping error to put two-time world champions Argentina in full control early in the second.</p>
<p>Australia went down fighting at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium and ensured an anxious finale after Craig Goodwin’s deflected shot reduced the deficit.</p>
<p>And it needed a superb last-ditch tackle from Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez to deny Australia’s Aziz Behich what would have been a stunning equaliser in the 80th minute.</p>
<p>A last-eight clash with the Netherlands on Friday now awaits Argentina, who recovered from a shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening match of the tournament to finish top of Group C.</p>
<p>And it needed a superb last-ditch tackle from Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez to deny Australia’s Aziz Behich what would have been a stunning equaliser in the 80th minute.</p>
<p>A last-eight clash with the Netherlands on Friday now awaits Argentina, who recovered from a shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening match of the tournament to finish top of Group C.</p>
<p>Australia’s supporters were heavily outnumbered by Argentina’s fans as an expected cagey opening unfolded.</p>
<p>The Socceroos’ well-drilled line-up forced Argentina to take a patient, cautious approach and it was not until the 17th minute when the South Americans first threatened.</p>
<p>Messi picked out Alejandro Gomez on the left, but the winger blazed his shot high and wide.</p>
<p>There was little goalmouth action in the opening half-hour, while Australia looked comfortable in possession and forced the game’s first two corners.</p>
<p>But Messi injected some much-needed dynamism in the 35th minute, playing a one-two with Nicolas Otamendi on the edge of the penalty area and side-footing home into the bottom corner.</p>
<p>It was his 789th career goal, his 94th in 169 senior appearances for his country and his first in the World Cup knockout stages.</p>
<p>Argentina comfortably retained possession at the start of the second half and Messi slipped as he appeared set to score his second of the match.</p>
<p>Australia were left a mountain to climb after conceding an unfortunate goal in the 57th minute.</p>
<p>Goalkeeper Mat Ryan miscontrolled a backpass and Manchester City striker Alvarez nipped in to slot home his second goal of the tournament.</p>
<p>Argentina were happy to keep the ball, but after substitute Nicolas Tagliafico dragged his effort wide, Australia reduced the deficit with a deflected goal out of nowhere.</p>
<p>Goodwin tried his luck from outside the box and his shot struck Enzo Fernandez and flew into the bottom corner.</p>
<p>Australia went close to a brilliant equaliser in the 80th minute when Dundee United’s Behich weaved his way past four defenders into the area, but Manchester United centre-half Martinez’s flying tackle blocked the shot.</p>
<p>Argentina went close to regaining their two-goal lead through Martinez, who fired two shots off target and had a third well saved.</p>
<p>But Argentina’s jubilant fans held their breath in the closing moments of time added on when Australia’s teenage substitute Garang Kuol forced goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez into a crucial save.</p>
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